NDPP might be suspended pending inquiry

Friday, August 1, 2014

Pretoria – President Jacob Zuma has written to the National Director of Public Prosecutions, Mxolisi Nxasana, informing him that he is considering suspending him with full pay, pending the inquiry into his fitness to hold office.

In a statement on Friday, the Presidency said President Zuma had written to the NDPP in terms of Section 12(6)(a) of the National Prosecuting Authority Act and explained that the details of the inquiry into his fitness to hold office were being finalised and they will be communicated to him in due course.

In the letter, the President also said he was considering suspending him with full pay, in terms of Section 12(6)(a) of the National Prosecuting Authority Act, pending the inquiry.

President Zuma has afforded Nxasana an opportunity for written representations.

Last month, the Presidency said the process of establishing an enquiry was at an advanced stage and that progress was being made in identifying persons who will constitute the inquiry at various levels, and also to conclude the terms of reference.

Nxasana, who was appointed in October 2013 by the President, has come under the spotlight after it emerged he did not have the required security clearance for the post. He was acquitted on murder charges when he was 18 years old.

In June, reports claimed that former Justice Minister Jeff Radebe instructed Nxasana, who is from the KwaZulu-Natal division of the High Court, to resign just a few days before President Zuma announced his new Cabinet because of this.

Justice and Correctional Services Minister Michael Masutha told a media briefing in June that he had referred the matter to the Office of the President.

At the time, he said he had met with the leadership of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and called on them to await the decision of the President with regard to the matter relating to Nxasana. - SAnews.gov.za